Living the Future

Chapter 50 - The Dinner Part 1

I knocked on the door and took a deep breath. Don’t panic I told myself. The door opened and Liam stood there. Before I could say anything, he grabbed my arm and pulled me in. I felt his hand on my back as he shoved me forward.

“He’s here.” Liam said walking past me to the living room. Uncle Dec came out of the kitchen and put his hands on his hips.

“What’s this I hear about you trying to punch Henry!?” He said sternly.

“I didn’t punch him.” I said.

“I didn’t say you punched him, I said trying.” Uncle Dec said.

“Ok, well… some things happened and he crossed a line.” I said and Uncle Dec crossed his arms.

“Your dad told me everything. We talked about you trying Josh. Trying to get a long.” Uncle Dec said.

“And we are going to try. We’re doing some guys night thing tomorrow.” I said and I heard Liam laugh.

“Have fun with that!” Liam said.

“Don’t laugh too hard because Barion said you would go too.” I yelled to him.

“WHAT! He did not!” I heard Liam coming back quickly. He stopped in the entry way and glared at me.

“He did, he didn’t text you?” I asked and he pulled out his phone.

“D*mmit! Guys night?! Ugh.” Liam went back.

“I think it’s a fine idea! Maybe you can get Josh to open up more with his friends!” Uncle Dec yelled to him.

“Yeah when we’re done painting our nails and brushing each other’s hair.” Liam yelled.

“Come help me a moment Josh.” Uncle Dec said and I followed him into the kitchen. “Madison and Daisy are out getting some things. Riley is sleeping. I’m in charge of watching… I think it’s a meat loaf.” He said opening the oven and looking at it.

“You know you’re not supposed to open a oven when something is cooking right?” I said and he looked at me.

“I’ve pretty much been watching it this entire time!” He said looking shocked.

“You let the heat out. Look, it’s set at three seventy five. You have the temp down almost fifty degrees.” I pointed at the oven’s temperature display.

“Well is that bad!?” Uncle Dec was panicking.

“It’s going to prolong the cooking time.” I said as we heard the front door.

“We’re home!” Madison called and uncle Dec put a finger to his lips. They both came into the kitchen carrying bags.

“Josh!” Daisy lit up when she saw me. I took the bags from aunt Madison’s hands and put it on the table.

“Thank you Josh!” She said with a smile. She walked over and looked in the oven. She messed with the temp and then looked at Dec.

“I didn’t mean to actually watch it!” She said and I laughed.

“Ok kids, go on and play.” Uncle Dec said.

“Is Riley still asleep!? Declan! He’s never going to sleep tonight!” I heard as Daisy pulled me to the living room. Liam looked annoyed as we sat down.

“Thanks to your boyfriend I have to hang out with Henry tomorrow.” Liam said and Daisy looked at me.

“He wants to have a guys night. Barion invited himself and Liam to join.” I said and Daisy looked alittle upset.

“You just got back.” She said in a almost whisper.

“Funny you mention that. We’re leaving for the college in a couple days.” I said with a slight laugh. Liam looked at us.

“You’re joking right?” Daisy asked.

“No, we’ll be back on your birthday.” I said. There was silence and Liam sat back waiting.

“DAD!” She jumped up and marched into the kitchen.

“Do I follow or stay here?” I whispered to Liam.

“Oh no, stay here.” Liam said with a half grin.

“Our schedule doesn’t revolve around you!” I head uncle Dec yell. Then I heard Riley crying.

“Daisy! It’s not anything to get worked up over!” My aunt Madison said.

“We have company.” I heard next from Uncle Dec and then another wail come from Riley’s room. I got up and started towards the cries. I opened the door and saw a visible upset Riley. He smiled with little tears in his eyes.

“Aww buddy.” I said walking over and taking him out. I noticed he was alittle wet so I searched around for things and got him changed. I could still hear faint yelling and so we sat in his room and played. I was in the middle of answering a fake phone call when the door opened. Liam peeked in.

“He’s in here with the child.” He yelled out and Aunt Madison came in.

“Riley roo!” She held open her arms and he ran into them. “Josh you got him all cleaned up and everything.” She said with some amazement. I got up and followed them out and back to the living room. Daisy sat on the couch with arms crossed, she was visibly pouting. I sat next to her and put my hand on her shoulder.

“Are you ok?” I asked.

“No.” She said short and I nodded. I sat back on the couch and looked around. Liam stared at us and then looked back at the tv. I couldn’t help but think about how awkward everything felt.

“Should I go?” I asked as I started to stand.

“She’ll only get worse if you leave.” Liam said not looking back. Daisy grabbed my hand.

“No, don’t leave.” Daisy sighed and I sat back down. Liam got up and went into the kitchen. I could hear him asking about dinner. I looked around lightly touching her face placing a quick kiss on her lips. I rubbed her cheek and smiled. Her pout faded as she leaned into my hand. She leaned forward and I kissed her again.

“No they’re fine, they’re just making out.” I heard Liam and jumped back. He laughed and walked back in eating a apple. “Dinner is in ten.” Liam said with a smile as he sat down.